Ceramic is a material that has been used in homes for millennia. It is made from combining clay, water and other earthen materials. There are many great properties to ceramic that have helped to make it a staple in homes – it’s antibacterial, water-proof, fire-resistant, durable and environmentally-friendly. Below are just some of the different ways to use ceramic around your home.
Tiles
Ceramic tiles can be used on walls or floors. They are ideal for keeping surfaces clean as they are easy to wipe or mop. Bathroom walls and kitchen backsplashes often incorporate ceramic tiles. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a hard and robust floor surface for a high traffic area of your home, consider thick ceramic floor tiles. Different types of ceramic can provide different textures and colours – grey quarry is rough and rustic, while terracotta has a distinct reddish-brown hue.
Countertops
A white or grey ceramic countertop can be used to simulate a marble or granite countertop at a fraction of the price. On top of having a sophisticated look, ceramic is an easy-to-maintain worktop solution. Its antibacterial properties also make it very hygienic and you’ll find it in many professional kitchens. Take the time to explore different colours and patterns.
Tables
As a tabletop surface, ceramic is also a good option. It is scratch resistant, stain resistant and does not fade over time. This makes ceramic dining tables a good investment if you want something that’s going to look good for decades. Ceramic is also excellent for coffee tables. Just make sure to use coasters with hot drinks, as ceramic is still prone to water spots.
Vases
Ceramic has been the go-to material for beautiful vases for many centuries. Simple plain ceramic vases are ideal for creating a rustic feel. Intricately patterned ceramic vases meanwhile can serve as a statement feature and may even benefit from not displaying flowers in them.
Kitchenware
There’s a good chance that your dinner plates are made of ceramic. Basic ceramics like porcelain are commonly used for plates, bowls, mugs and jugs. For added robustness, it’s also possible to buy plates and bowls made from higher-quality ceramics like bone china – but these are much more expensive. You can also make your own ceramic kitchenware.
Sinks
Ceramic is a popular choice for bathroom and kitchen sinks. Such sinks are durable and easy to clean. Most ceramic sink basins are white, but you can also buy ceramic sinks in other colours such as grey or black. They can add more value to a home than a steel sink.
Toilets
The majority of household toilets are made from ceramic (usually porcelain or vitreous china). There has been a slight shift to acrylic toilets in recent years due to their lower cost, however acrylic is more prone to staining – a porcelain toilet is easier to keep clean.
Bathtubs
Bathtubs are also commonly made from ceramics like porcelain. Unlike acrylic tubs, porcelain tubs are resistant to scratching and can last for decades. Their downside is that they don’t retain heat as well as acrylic bathtubs and are much heavier (making them more difficult to install).
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